Rheumatic Fever – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments
The condition usually appears in children between the ages of 5 and 15, even though older children and adults have been known to contract fever as well. It is still common in places like sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia and some populations in Australia and New Zealand.
Causes of Rheumatic Fever: Rheumatic Fever is caused by a group of streptococcus. This bacterium causes strep throat or, in a small percentage of people, scarlet fever. It is an inflammatory disease. Rheumatic fever causes your body to attack its own tissues after it has been infected with the bacteria that causes strep throat. This reaction causes widespread inflammation throughout the body, which is the basis for all symptoms of Rheumatic Fever .
Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever: Rheumatic Fever is caused by a reaction to the bacteria that causes group A strep strep throat. Although not all cases of streptococcus result in rheumatic fever , this serious complication can be prevented with the diagnosis and treatment of strep throat. If your child has any of the following symptoms, they should get a strep test:
- Sore throat
- Sore throat with soft, swollen lymph nodes
- a red rash
- swallowing difficulty
- Coarse, bloody discharge from the nose
- A temperature of 101°F or higher
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Tonsils with white spots or pus
- Small, red spots on the roof of the mouth
- a headache
- nausea
- vomit
A wide variety of symptoms are associated with Rheumatic Fever . An individual with the condition may experience some, some, or most of the following symptoms. Symptoms usually appear two to four weeks after your child has been diagnosed with strep throat. Common symptoms of strep throat include:
- Small, painless lumps or bumps under the skin
- chest pain
- Rapid or throbbing palpitations
- lethargy or fatigue
- nosebleeds
- stomachache
- Painful or sore joints in wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles
- Pain in a joint that moves to another joint
- Red, hot and swollen inks
- shortness of breathe
- a fever
- sweating
- vomit
- A flat, slightly raised, bumpy rash
- Uncontrollable movements of your hands, feet, and face
- A decrease in attention span
- Bursts of tearful or inappropriate laughter
If your child has a fever, they may require immediate care. You should seek immediate medical care for your child in the following situations:
- A temperature above 100°F in newborns to 6 week olds
- A temperature of 102°F or higher in babies 6 weeks to 2 years old
- A temperature of 103°F or higher in children aged 2 years and older
- Fever that lasts for more than three days in a child of any age
Rheumatic Fever Treatments: Treatment will involve getting rid of all group A streptocolic bacteria and treating and managing symptoms. This can include any of the following:
Antibiotics: Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics and may prescribe long-term treatment to prevent it from happening again. This treatment can last up to five years.
Anti-inflammatory treatment : Anti-inflammatory treatments include pain medications that are also anti-inflammatory , such as aspirin or naproxen. Doctors may also prescribe a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation.
Bed rest: Your doctor will also recommend bed rest and restricted activities until major symptoms, such as pain and inflammation, have passed. Strict bed restriction will be recommended for a few weeks to a few months if the fever has caused heart problems.
Antiseizure Medications: Your doctor may prescribe an anticonvulsant if the involuntary movements become very severe. The most commonly used drugs for the treatment of Rheumatic Fever are:
- Astro
- similetacil
- Betamethasone
- Ceclor
- Cefaclor
- Cephalothin
- Celestone
- Doxycycline
- Erythromycin
NOTE: Only a doctor can tell you which drug is most suitable for you, as well as the correct dosage and duration of treatment. Always follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter and never self-medicate. Do not stop using the drug without consulting a doctor first, and if you take it more than once or in much larger amounts than prescribed, follow the instructions on the package insert.
Prevention of Rheumatic Fever: The only known way to prevent Rheumatic Fever is to treat throat infections caused by the strep bacteria.